Ever since the new generation of consoles released at the end of last year, both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles have suffered from stock shortages – and as a result of that, increased levels of scalping. The problem grew so severe that even British politicans began to pay attention. And with console shortages set to continue for the foreseeable future, it seems Microsoft is trialling a new way for customers to acquire a console – without everything being ruined by scalper bots.
The new program, called the Console Purchase Pilot, is available to Xbox Insider members in the US and offers the chance to reserve an Xbox Series X/S. Microsoft says that space is limited, however, so not all who sign up will be able to reserve a console.
Microsoft explained that a “small audience” of Xbox Insiders will be invited to register for a console via the Xbox Insider Hub app for Xbox One and Windows 10. The purchase itself, however, is restricted to Xbox One consoles – and cannot be made from your PC, web browser, Xbox 360 or Xbox Series X/S. The program is clearly aimed at Xbox One users who are looking for an upgrade. In theory, this should make it harder for scalpers to purchase several consoles or use bots to swipe stock before humans can place an order.
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